Library Instruction

Our instructional mission is to provide variety of instructional services that help IUP students become information literate, life-long learners. Our instructional offerings include credit-bearing courses, information literacy instruction sessions as requested by university faculty members, individualized instruction to students through our Bring Your Assignment service and at the reference desk, and electronic and print materials to support student learning and information literacy.

What is Information Literacy?

Information literacy is defined as being able to recognize when information is needed and having the ability to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively. Information literacy is essential to all disciplines, all learning environments, and all levels of education—it forms the basis for lifelong learning.

When you are information literate, you can:

Determine the extent of your information need

Access the needed information effectively and efficiently

Evaluate information and its sources critically

Incorporate selected information into your knowledge base

Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose

Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally